Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
Discover Minnesota's rich musical tapestry, from Prince to polka, through eclectic donated memorabilia and an engaging audio tour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Respite from crowds
Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
Best Time
Respite from crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Minnesota's rich musical tapestry, from Prince to polka, through eclectic donated memorabilia and an engaging audio tour.
"A charming, informative, and surprisingly interesting place for any Minnesota music fan."
🎧 Grab the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the audio tour; it provides descriptions and plays music!
🎶 Support the Museum
Donated records by Minnesota artists are added to the library or sold to support the non-profit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Prince Exhibit
Main Hall
An impressive and extensive display dedicated to the Purple One, a Minnesota icon.
Donated Memorabilia Collection
Various Displays
Eclectic items like CDs, vinyl, posters, and proclamations from Minnesota artists.
Audio Tour Experience
Throughout the Museum
An informative audio guide that lets you explore at your own pace, often featuring artist music.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eclectic Exhibits
Plan for a Deep Dive
Best Times
Insider Tips
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New Ulm, Minnesota
🎧 Grab the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the audio tour; it provides descriptions and plays music! +1
🎶 Support the Museum
Donated records by Minnesota artists are added to the library or sold to support the non-profit.
My Favorite Musical Acts from Minnesota... ever
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
You might spend 45 mins or several hours, depending on your interest level. +1
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is just $6, making it a budget-friendly stop for music lovers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Grab the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the audio tour; it provides descriptions and plays music! +1
🎶 Support the Museum
Donated records by Minnesota artists are added to the library or sold to support the non-profit.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
You might spend 45 mins or several hours, depending on your interest level. +1
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is just $6, making it a budget-friendly stop for music lovers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame for its charming and informative exhibits, particularly the impressive Prince collection and the engaging audio tour. The affordable admission and the unique, eclectic nature of the donated memorabilia are frequently highlighted as positives. Some guests noted that certain exhibits could be more up-to-date, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and surprisingly interesting stop for music fans.
"What a charming, and informative place. Stopped in when visit for Octoberfest and it was a great respite from the crowds. The executive direct is both passionate and knowledgeable about MN music. Some great memorabilia beyond just prince. We easily spent 45 minutes here and could have spent several hours if we didn't have to get back to the kids and family. Highly recommend stopping in!"
Ben Edwards
"This place is crazy fun. You might be surprised to see that the musical hall of fame for all of Minnesota is located in this small town. The reason is a fascinating piece of American history. And at this museum you will learn about that and tons about the history of music in America in general. The guide tape is very well organized and informative. I really was surprised how interesting this place was!"
Peggy Mentele
"This a a bit of a quirky museum. The displays are memorabilia that was donated so it can be quite eclectic, from CDs & vinyl to posters from shows to proclamations. There are some instruments and a large display about Prince. Be sure to take the little gadget that will give you descriptions of the artist and usually some of their music. As expected, polka is a large portion of the inductees but you have John Denver (who does have a Minnesota connection), the Whitesidewalls, Lori Line, Dr Frank Bencriscudo, Daisy Dillman. . . .well you get the idea. I spent 2 hours here and could have spent more just hearing about our noted musical talent. I would consider this a must stop for any Minnesota music fan."
Lou McCoy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame is located in New Ulm, Minnesota. Visitors typically drive to New Ulm. The museum is centrally located within the town, making it accessible once you arrive.
Parking is generally available in the vicinity of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in New Ulm. Street parking or nearby public lots are common options.
New Ulm is accessible via state highways. Depending on your starting point in Minnesota, you'll likely use routes like US-14 or MN-15. It's recommended to use a GPS or mapping service for the most direct route from your location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission cost is $6 per person, offering an affordable way to explore Minnesota's musical history.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead. However, it's often a good respite from crowds during busy local events like Octoberfest.
Information on specific discounts (e.g., for seniors, students, or groups) is not widely publicized, but the standard admission price is quite reasonable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a diverse range of exhibits featuring memorabilia donated by artists and fans, including CDs, vinyl, posters, instruments, and proclamations. There's a notable Prince exhibit and extensive coverage of polka music, alongside other genres and artists.
Yes, an audio tour is available and highly recommended. It allows you to explore at your own pace and often plays music from the featured artists. +1
Visit times vary greatly. Some visitors spend around 45 minutes, while others could easily spend several hours delving into the exhibits and listening to the audio tour. +1
Some reviews suggest that inductee exhibits may not be updated frequently. For instance, one review noted the Prince exhibit did not mention his passing in 2016.
The Hall of Fame features a wide array of artists, including Prince, Bob Dylan, The Replacements, The Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, John Denver (with a MN connection), and many polka artists.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, New Ulm offers various dining options nearby.
New Ulm has a range of eateries, from casual cafes to restaurants serving German-inspired cuisine, reflecting the town's heritage.
It's generally not permitted to bring outside food and drinks into museum exhibits. It's best to consume them before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check with staff upon arrival or look for signage. Non-flash photography is often permitted for personal use.
The Prince exhibit is a popular spot for photos. The eclectic nature of the donated memorabilia also offers unique visual opportunities. +1
Flash photography is typically discouraged in museums to protect artifacts. Always be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎶 Music Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique History of New Ulm's Hall of Fame
Visitors often express surprise at the depth and breadth of the collection, which spans various genres and eras of Minnesota's musical contributions. The museum's non-profit status is supported in part by the sale of donated records, particularly those by Minnesota artists, which are first added to their internal library. This practice not only helps fund the museum but also preserves local musical history.
Navigating the Eclectic Exhibits
While the collection is diverse, some visitors note that the inductee exhibits might not always be up-to-date. However, the sheer volume and variety of items ensure there's always something to capture your interest. The audio tour is a crucial tool for navigating these diverse displays, offering context and playing music to bring the exhibits to life.
The Star Power: Prince and Polka
Beyond Prince, the museum also gives significant attention to polka music, reflecting its strong roots and popularity within Minnesota. This focus, alongside a broad spectrum of other genres and artists like Bob Dylan, The Replacements, and Judy Garland, demonstrates the Hall of Fame's commitment to representing the full spectrum of the state's musical talent.
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